Often simple touches have the greatest impact.
Consider, for a moment, the humble scarf.
The scarf is a classic investment piece, originally designed to keep us warm and cozy, but its position in fashion has changed over time. In recent years, the scarf has become less of a necessity and more of an accessory, like your favorite statement jewelry or a great bag.
The history of the scarf dates back to ancient Rome. Men wore the long cloth called a sudarium, meaning “sweat cloth” to keep them clean and dry.
Over time the Romans developed the scarf into a men’s fashion accessory, knotted to a belt or worn around the neck. It wasn’t long before this style was adopted by the women as well, and since then the scarf has become synonymous with women’s fashion.
Scarf Revival
Recently the scarf has experienced a new revival, once again becoming a must-have item for women around the world. Head scarves and wraps increase in popularity as worn by society’s celebrities conveying elegance and sophistication.
The future of scarves appears secure as knitting and weaving techniques continue to evolve to meet the demands for exciting colors and patterns. And there is no end to the different ways you can tie your scarf!
Standard measurement for Square scarves and bandanas:
19 3/4″ x 19 3/4″
21 5/8″ x 21 5/8″
23 5/8″ x 23 5/8″
35 1/2″ x 35 1/2″
43 1/4″ x 43 1/4″
55 1/8″ x 55 1/8”
Standard measurement for Rectangular women’s scarves: 75” x 30″
Printing Process: The fabric is usually sheer (semi-transparent), and often designed using water printing.
Content: For square scarves, polyester, silk or cotton are preferred. For rectangular scarves, herringbone knit wool or a blend of 85% modal 15% wool are most common. Generally speaking China is very good at making polyester and silk. India and China are similar in cotton. India only produces cotton based material.
Pantone Colors: Cotton based material could affect the colors especially for bright-colored artwork. Designers use Pantone numbers to assure colors remain true to the original designs.
Types of Scarves
Ascot: a broad neck scarf knotted so that its ends lay flat, one upon the other.
Bandana: a large and often brightly colored handkerchief, also used around the neck like a scarf.
Cashmere: a soft luxurious scarf, made from the wool of the Cashmere goat.
Cravat: a neckband, resembling a bow tie, worn in a slipknot with long ends overlapping vertically in the front.
Do-rag: a piece of cloth used to cover the head.
Headscarf: a scarf covering a woman’s hair and head; may be worn for a variety of purposes.
Hijab: a headscarf worn by Muslim women that conceals both the hair and neck, and often includes a face veil.
Infinity Scarf: also known as an eternity scarf; a scarf that is continuous, or without ends, which can be looped around the neck or draped around the arms.
Jersey: a slightly elastic machine-knit fabric.
Kerchief: a square scarf that is folded into a triangle and worn over the head or around the neck.
Linen: a type of fabric made from the fibers of the flax plant.
Loop Scarf: Another name for the Infinity Scarf.
Pashmina: a shawl or scarf made from the fine Cashmere wool of the Pashmina Goat.
Sarong: a long, rectangular piece of brightly colored fabric that is wrapped around the entire body, typically at the waist; commonly worn by both men and women in the South Pacific.
Shawl: a simple cloth worn loosely over the head and shoulders.
Sudarium: a cloth or handkerchief used for wiping sweat from the face.
Stole: a wide scarf worn by women that is typically made of expensive fabric loosely draped over a dress or gown.
Tallit: a “prayer” shawl with four corners usually made of wool, in which Jewish men are buried.
Wrap: a large flat fabric that is wrapped around the entire body for warmth or fashion
We Love Our Scarves!
How would you describe your favorite scarf? Fun? Classic? Unique? Versatile? We all love our scarves for different reasons, which is exactly what makes wearing a scarf so popular. The amazing colors and patterns provide endless ways to stand out from the crowd and express our unique personalities.
So grab a scarf and have some fun!
